If you think a friend might be using meth (methamphetamine), it can feel overwhelming to know how to help. You want to help them, but you also don’t want to damage your relationship or compromise your own boundaries. Here are some ways you can support a friend, while also taking care of yourself.
Recognizing The Signs of Meth Use
Meth is a powerful drug that can have serious side effects on a person’s physical and mental health. The drug produces an intense high followed by an abrupt crash that can leave people scrambling to find more of the drug. What might start as casual use can quickly turn into a bigger problem. Perhaps your friend is using meth to help with feelings of depression, or maybe they tried the drug at a party and are now struggling to stop using it.
Meth is a stimulant, which means it speeds up activity in the brain. When someone uses meth, they might seem:
- Full of energy
- Extra talkative
- Super happy, “high”, or euphoric
Not everyone who uses meth will become addicted, but addiction happens when someone keeps using it even when it’s causing serious problems. Knowing the signs of addiction can help you spot it, and is an important step in helping your friend get the support they need. Signs include:
- Ignoring responsibilities
- Changes in energy levels or sleep patterns
- Spending more time and effort using meth
- Pulling away from friends and activities they used to enjoy
- Continuing to use meth even when it’s causing problems
- Lying or being secretive about their behavior
Also, if someone has been using meth for a while, you might notice physical changes like:
- Weight loss
- Skin sores
- Tooth decay or loss
How To Offer Support
Here are some ways you can offer support:
- Approach them without judgment. Always approach your friend with empathy and understanding. Avoid criticizing or blaming your friend for their choices, as this can lead to them shutting down or isolating themselves. Remember, they are struggling.
- Be there for them. Supporting a friend struggling with meth can be really hard, but just by being there, you can make a difference. Check in with them regularly. Invite them to do things that don’t involve drugs. Let them know you care about them and are willing to listen whenever they are ready to talk.
- Identify and stop enabling. Enabling usually starts with good intentions. You see your friend struggling and you want to help them, but it often prevents them from feeling the negative consequences. Some examples might be covering for them at school, making excuses for them, or paying their bills if they fall behind. If they have a problem with meth, allow the consequences to unfold naturally.
- Offer resources. Suggest places they can turn to for help, like a counselor, school support, or a trusted adult. Provide them with warm and hotline numbers. Offer to help schedule an appointment or take them to one.
- Set boundaries. While it’s important to be supportive, you also need to protect yourself. If their behavior becomes harmful or puts you in an unsafe situation, it’s okay to set limits.
Having Conversations About Getting Help
If you’re ready to talk to your friend about their meth use, here are some tips to help:
- Pick the right time and place. Choose a quiet, private spot, and a time when you can talk to your friend without being rushed or interrupted.
- Make sure they’re sober. If you try to have the talk while they are under the influence, there’s little chance they’ll fully remember the talk. Do your best to find a time when they are sober and attentive.
- Have a plan. Before the talk, take some time to outline what you want to say and what you hope to achieve from the conversation.
- Be prepared for their reactions. Your loved one might be angry, upset, combative, or grateful. Thinking about how they may respond can help you plan your reactions before they arise.
- Be direct. Start the conversation with something like, “I’m worried about your drug use”, and back it up with facts.
- Ask and listen. Remember that these conversations can be difficult for everyone and that your friend is likely struggling. Ask them questions about their experience, feelings, and worries. Listen to their responses, and remain understanding.
Try to avoid blaming them, being judgemental, becoming too negative or pessimistic, or allowing high levels of emotions to get in the way of listening. It might take many conversations for your friend to get the help they need. Change, especially in the face of drug and alcohol use, is a process that often takes time.
Know When To Ask For Help
If your friend’s meth use is putting their life at risk, or if you feel unsafe around them, it’s important to involve a trusted adult or professional. You don’t have to go through this on your own — reaching out to someone like a school counselor, a parent, or a substance use hotline can help you navigate the situation. Just remember to take care of yourself too. You’re an important part of their support system, but you don’t have to do it all on your own.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can call SAMHSA’s national helpline at 1-800-622-HELP (4357).
- The helpline is free, private, and available 24 hours a day/7 days a week for individuals and families experiencing mental health or substance use challenges.
- They can provide referrals and information on local resources, facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
- You will not be asked or required to give any personal information.
You can also visit their website at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline, or send your zip code via text message to 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you.
These groups can offer support for friends and family of loved ones affected by drug and alcohol use.
- Nar-Anon Family Groups: These are support groups for loved ones affected by drug use.
- SMART Family and Friends: These groups also offer a safe space for people to learn how to cope with their loved one’s addiction.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Family-to-Family: NAMI Family-to-Family is a free educational program for family and friends of people with different mental health conditions.
- NAMI Family Support Group: NAMI Family Support Group is a free support program that’s led by people who’ve faced similar experiences.
For more information on available resources, check out our Get Help page